Eight Gozitans aged between 18 and 50-years of age, have participated in courses at the Santa Marta Day Centre in Victoria. The courses were held for people with disabilities with the aim of improving skills in the field of ICT.
The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, this morning distributed certificates to the participants at a ceremony held at the center. The courses offered were on computer knowledge and specialised software for the visually impaired. The courses took place over twelve weeks and were funded by the Ministry for Gozo, the National Commission of Persons with Disability and the Employment and Training Centre.
The Minister for Gozo praised the initiative of this centre for the organisation of these courses, as well as the participation of those who attended the courses. She thanked the Office of the Coordinator of Disability for Gozo which was instrumental in disseminating information on these courses. The Minister added that these courses are giving an opportunity to people with disabilities in Gozo to be able to also join in the technological world as well as being computer literate.
The Minister concluded by saying that although although much progress has been made in this area, there is still room for further work aimed at a greater inclusion of disabled people in the field of education and work.
The Santa Marta Centre caters for around 40 people with special needs who attend regularly, where they spend time to be alble learn skills or trades such as computer, woodworking and pottery and other hand crafts. The centre also includes rest rooms and other areas where they can acquire more skills for independent living.
Through collaboration with therapists and professionals from the Gozo General Hospital, the members can also benefit from therapeutic services including the use of the Hammett Bath. The ‘Santa Marta’ Day Centre caters for the individual needs of these persons who require diversified attention due to their diverse abilities.
Other facilities within the ‘Santa Marta’ Day Centre also includes the services of a one-stop-shop, which will be operating from an office near the entrance of the centre. Most of the work this in office is coordinated by people who have special needs.